Sir Hooks a Lot has had a glow-up since his arrival!

We’re hooked on our newest sea turtle patient!  

 Sir Hooks a Lot arrived at our East Coast Zoological Foundation’s (ECZF) Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo within the first few days of 2026. This small juvenile green sea turtle was found struggling at the Jetty Park pier in Port Canaveral, a popular fishing spot. Unfortunately, this turtle was likely looking for an easy snack near the pier when some derelict fishing lures and line bound the turtle to a pillion. Sir Hooks a Lot had a large lure with three treble hooks embedded in three different parts of their body, including the right eyelid and right front flipper. This sticky situation inspired the turtle’s namesake. A fishing line connected to the lures was wrapped around their neck and both front flippers.  

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society responded to the scene and brought the turtle to our Rehabilitation Center. Upon arrival, our veterinary team was able to remove the hooks and line from the turtle and treat them with antibiotics, fluid therapy and painkillers. Despite the rough shape Sir Hooks a Lot arrived in, this turtle has been able to recover quickly from the wounds and has no extensive damage to the eyes or flippers. Sir Hooks a Lot will continue to be treated and monitored by our team before this turtle returns to their ocean home.  

Sir Hooks a Lot had a large lure with 3 treble hooks stuck on three different parts of their body.

Sir Hooks a Lot has a lot of sass packed into their tiny body. Despite the healing wounds, they are always getting busy with enrichment, swimming around their recovery pool and interacting with their roommate, Holly.  

Derelict fishing gear is one of the biggest threats facing sea turtles today. If you fish, always retrieve your gear from the water and make sure you leave the pier or beach cleaner than you found it. Also, always be aware of sea turtles that are hanging out nearby. If you see a turtle that frequents your pier, consider not fishing while the turtle is in the area. Likewise, if you see an injured sea turtle or one struggling with fishing gear entanglement, please report it to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society on their website or by calling 321-206-0646. Make sure to not touch the turtle, as you may do more harm than good.   

We will share more details about Sir Hooks a Lot’s recovery journey soon. 

Have you found a sea turtle that needs help? Visit this page or call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Want to help the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center? Support our Zoo, or view our Healing Center’s wishlist.

We would like to thank the following generous donors for supporting our mission-based programs: Flammio Financial Group · Stifel- Garvin Wealth Management Group · Artemis IT · Pepsi Bottling Company · Amazon · PCL Construction | Nassal | MEC | Heard